The incredible prehistoric vestiges hidden beneath our town act as a true time capsule, showing definitive proof of the very first inhabitants of Mexico. According to official records from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), two of the oldest human skeletons in the country were unearthed here in 1953. Through advanced obsidian hydration dating techniques, these Santa Maria Aztahuacan Fossils have been dated to be an astonishing 9,400 years old.

The prehistoric history and archaeological relevance of Santa Maria Aztahuacan Fossils

The scientific verification of these ancient remains is not merely an isolated archaeological event; it represents a profound window into the millennia-old history of human settlement in the Valley of Mexico. This discovery adds an irreplaceable layer of pride for the local community: our land was deeply suitable for human life even during the dawn of time. The natural richness and adaptability of the local ecosystem that welcomed our prehistoric ancestors are the exact same traits that have sustained centuries of history, culture, and community growth around the Santa Maria Aztahuacan Fossils site.

These significant remains were discovered entirely by chance during routine public maintenance works—a beautiful serendipity that demonstrates how deep layers of history can suddenly be revealed during modern everyday life. For those eager to study this event further, the official INAH research reports provide exhaustive analyses on the context, extraction, and immense scientific impact of the Santa Maria Aztahuacan Fossils collection. Today, researchers can consult the preliminary field notes directly within the digital INAH Media Library, or easily plan a physical visit to observe these remains directly at the local Museo del Fuego Nuevo.

The Commemorative Plaque: History and Changes over Time

In 2003, exactly half a century after the initial excavation, the community installed a unique commemorative pillar to honor the Santa Maria Aztahuacan Fossils legacy. The monument featured a beautifully sculpted stone replica of the prehistoric skull alongside a metal plaque marking the 50th anniversary.

“LA DELEGACIÓN IZTAPALAPA Y EL VOLUNTARIADO SOCIAL

EN COLABORACION CON EL INAH, UNAM Y COMITÉ VECINAL,

CONMEMORAN EL

 

50 ANIVERSARIO

 

DEL DESCUBRIMIENTO DE LOS RESTOS FÓSILES DEL

HOMBRE Y MUJER DE AZTAHUACAN

EN EL ANTIGUO OJO DE AGUA DE SAN PEDRO QUE SE LOCALIZA EN ESTE LUGAR.

 

DEVELARON ESTA PLACA:

LIC. RENE ARCE ISLAS.

JEFE DELEGACIONAL EN IZTAPALAPA

 

LOS ARQUEOLOGOS QUE PARTICIPARON EN LA EXPEDICION DE 1953

PROF ARTURO ROMANO, PROF FRANCISCO GONZALEZ RAUL

10 ENERO 1953 – 10 ENERO 2003″

Over the years, this monument faced local issues. The original metal plaque was severely vandalized and eventually replaced by a newer version. While the new inscription respected the core archaeological feat and the original scientists’ names, the name of the local political figure who originally unveiled the piece was completely removed.

Preservation and Modern Updates

Today, the town actively celebrates the continuous dialogue between its prehistoric past and its modern community. Preserving this tangible heritage is absolutely crucial to ensuring that future generations truly appreciate the vast depth of our shared history.

2024 Strategic Update: In 2023, the historical commemorative pillar was completely demolished and its elements removed. A few weeks later, the exact same stone skull re-emerged on a newly built modern pillar holding a fresh plaque, relocated just a few meters away from its original location. You can fully explore this transformation in our detailed special feature covering the newly renovated site dedicated to the Santa Maria Aztahuacan Fossils heritage.